How Many Different Types Of Tiles Are On The Market Today?
Picking a tile design that you are attracted too you would think, would be a relatively simple task. However it is not that simple because it is necessary to analyse the quality of the tile before you actually purchase it. Purchasing the right design for the right area is very important.g. am I looking at bathroom designs, kitchen designs, floor etc.
In order to suit the needs and fancies of buyers manufacturers have, over the years, continuously modified tiles. With the endless choice of tile types out there, it is easy to find the right colour, design and texture to beautify our floors and walls. Some of the types of tiles that we can find in the markets include ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, terracotta tiles, stone tiles, granite tiles and slate tiles.
The basic structure for ceramic tiles is clay and other natural elements such as water. The ceramic coating is applied to the upper layer of the tile and then fused with the body of the frame by baking in a kiln. This is what gives it its’ final colour and finish. Ceramic tiles have so many advantages that make them a popular buy; these include durability, easy maintenance, waterproof, fire resistant, versatile, scratchproof and environmentally friendly. It’s suitability for therefore making.g a bathroom tile.
The finer blend of clay, and the higher baked conditions means that porcelain tiles are preferred over ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles have a higher percentage of water, stain, odour and bacteria resistance and are a brilliant selection for exterior tiling. An ideal choice for areas that will encouter excessive foot traffic are porcelain tiles; they will last for years to come.
Natural Stone: These types of tiles do not contain a glazed coating like the ceramic and porcelain tiles but you could use them as an alternative if you want to create a different look. Stone tiles include marble, slate and granite tiles and can be found in two textures, the polished tiles that have a glossy finish but can be slippery and the honed tiles that have a dull look but are comparatively less slippery.
Marble Tiles: This timeless classic will add elegance to any interior where it is used. A distinctive look by each piece of marble gives the area a natural sophistication. The desired look is created to marble by honing and polishing. These tiles are delicate and attractive and most ideal for interior walls but they must be avoided in areas that are prone to accumulation of water and grease. Bathroom tiles are therefore not normally made of this.
Granite Tiles: These tiles are the most hard-wearing of all flooring tiles. The volcanic reaction creates granite, but it’s the mica, quartz and feldspar that give it its distinctive character. When laid on the floor earch marble tile is different from the other and forms the most amazing pattern. These tiles can also be honed and polished to your liking and are suitable for both interior as well as exterior walls. Water and grease retention areas should not have the granite polished finished tiles as these are not suitable.
Slate Tiles: These tiles are fine metamorphic rocks with bits of metal in it that became a part of its years of slow formation in the earth’s surface. This natural stone can withstand harsh abrasions, chemicals and fading and also is impermeable to freeze and thaw tests, therefore making it long-lasting. The tiles that are suitable for both interior and exterior walls are slate tiles. You do however have to be careful as they are not suitable in places where water and grease accululate.
Which Kind Of Grout Do I Use?
META: Creating strength, uniformity and neatness between your tiles is usually done by using the pratical solution known as ‘grout’. It also serves other masonry purposes and comes in different kinds.
If you are looking to do any masonry work, or fill up joints, cracks, cavities between tiles etc then grout is the material that you need to do it. It is also used to create mosaics though you can find mosaic without the grout filling also. Grout is usually a mixture made out of cement, water and sand; it can however sometimes be made with only water and cement. Also gravel may be used at times when the hollow bodies of cement blocks need to be filled in. When this mixture has been spread with a grout float, it forms a strong waterproof seal in the cavities whilst it’s hardening. The use of different colours and tints can be utilised to enhance the tile work and to give an overall better appearance.
Tiling grout, non-shrink grout, floating grout, resin grout and thixotropic grout make up the many varieties of grout that are on the market today. The best forms and most commonly used grout are the epoxy grout, the resin grout and the cement based grout. If you want a strong grout that is highly waterproof, then out of these three, epoxy is the best. This for e.g would therefore be great to use on your bathroom tiles. It is made completely of epoxy resin and an improved epoxy emulsion. This kind of grout is far more costly than the other grout types and is also hard to find, but it is regarded as the most efficient form when it comes to high water resistance and tough stain fighting.
Second is the cement-based grout that is generally used for craftwork or mosaic design creation. In order to create mosaics you need to use this grout; it is weaker compared to epoxy but it is favourable. It can be bought in several forms; sanded, non-sanded, prior mixed and in powder form from any do-it-yourself store.
The third most used form of grout is the resin grout, which can be bought in both the sanded as well as non-sanded form. The resin grout uses alcohol to form a mixture rather than water, which is commonly used with other resin types. It’s powerfulness against chemical reaction is brilliant and therefore is useful to use in work that involves the use of a lot of chemicals. Builders and contractors tend to utilise this type of grout as it’s cumbersome; definitely not for using on mosaics. Whatever job you are tackling, e.g. ceramic bathroom tiles, a porcelain bathroom tile, a kitchen tile, or even tiling your floor
An important thing to remember while using grout is that its fumes or dust particles can be very harmful to your health specifically if you are using epoxy grout. Reading the instructions from the manufacturer before you start using the material is very important. In order to reduce the number of dust particles entering your respiratory system, try using a a respirator mask. Also you could use gloves and protection glasses to prevent eye and skin irritations.
When you are finished using the grout do not dispose of the remaining substance into a drain because if you do so, the liquid will solidify somewhere inside the pipeline causing a massive blockage in the drainage system. Allowing the liquid to separate from the mixture is quite important. To do this you need to let the mixture sit for a while. The liquid can then be drained off and disposed off.
Jaydens Functional Suggestions To Follow If Shopping For Bathroom Wall Tiles
There are several different ways to use wall tiles in your bog. Frequently bog wall tiles are small with a light coloured grout. A lot of times they’re going to include some type of decorative part around the edges of the tiles. While it is not uncommon to see the tub surround or shower stall tiled a hot trend nowadays is to tile the whole toilet. This means that all the walls of the lavatory would be tiled from ceiling to floor. Another modern trend in lavatory wall tile design is to use bigger tiles like 8.5 inch by 8.5 in. instead of the usually four x 4 tiles from days gone by.
bigger tiles are your best option if you will be tiling all the walls of the entire loo. Using bigger tiles can streamline the project and will most likely be more cost effective than using tiny tiles. Larger tiles also mean less grout lines which will have to be cleaned.
The spacing between the bathroom wall tiles will be a matter of personal taste. Rectangular lavatory wall tiles often look best when they are placed close along with a slim line of grout between them. Thin grout lines also tend to look the best with glossy tiles as they don’t break up the glossy finish as much.
When selecting tiles for your loo walls consider adding a few tiles in contrasting colours spaced throughout the room. This will create a random pattern which can be extremely attention grabbing. This is a straightforward way to add some appeal and color to your bathroom. Another choice is to locate a tile which has a pattern which is analogous in color to your other tiles. These patterned tiles can be randomly placed through the room for a more delicate look. To add interest to the room you might also want to use dark grout rather than light. Dark grout can add visual interest and may also be easier to continue looking clean. Find bathroom wall tile here.